CT’s Pratt & Whitney gets $3.8 billion contract boost for F135 engines

Connecticut’s Pratt & Whitney got a significant contract boost this week when parent company RTX was awarded a $3.8 billion modification from the Department of Defense to build F135 engines.

The engines power all three variants of the F-35 Lightning II and the contract modification finalizes production by the company for lots 18 and 19. The total value of Pratt & Whitney’s contract for the lots is $6.6 billion.

“Pratt & Whitney is investing heavily across our global production base and supply chain to increase production and accelerate engine delivery and sustainment to meet growing global demand for the F-35 program,” said Jill Albertelli, president of Military Engines for Pratt & Whitney.

Calling the fighter engine the most advanced and reliable ever produced, Pratt & Whitney says “The F135 delivers unrivaled performance to the warfighter, enabling operations in the most advanced threat environments and redefining what’s possible for our customers and their missions.”

The contract covers full-rate production engines, initial spares, modules, engineering resources, program oversight and dedicated production support services, according to a release from RTX.

“This blockbuster $3.8 billion contract for RTX is terrific news for Pratt & Whitney and their supply chain,” U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal said. “Our state’s talented workers design and produce world class engines, and this incredible investment will ensure the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and our allies have the most effective weapons to defend our nation’s interests. I am thrilled to see yet another vote of confidence in Connecticut-made and will keep fighting to support our local defense manufacturers.”

Pratt & Whitney, headquartered in East Hartford, has delivered more than 1,400 F135 engines for Lockheed Martin’s F-35, which is “the choice for America and 19 allied nations, strengthening global security and deterring threats around the world,” according to the company.

U.S. Reps. John Larson and Rosa DeLauro said in a joint statement, “This major contract modification for over $3.8 billion will keep Connecticut on the front line of aerospace manufacturing on the global stage, supporting F135 engine production for the F-35, the world’s most advanced fighter aircraft, and sustaining well-paying union jobs.

“Continuing to invest in this program ensures our armed forces have the technology they need to do their jobs and protect our nation. Our delegation will always work together to support the skilled machinists and engineers across Connecticut who keep our economy and our nation strong,” the lawmakers said.

The F-35 fighter jets are used by Israel, Korea, Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, several European countries and others.